Medusa Subsea Cable Project Connects the Mediterranean
Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), part of Nokia (nokia.com), will supply the cables for the Medusa subsea cable project. The system runs about 8,700 km across the Mediterranean Sea and creates a major new digital link between Europe and Africa.
AFR‑IX telecom, a Spanish infrastructure and telecom operator (afr-ix.com), leads the project and selected ASN as the main submarine cable supplier.
Medusa Subsea Cable Project Route and Landing Points
The system connects both shores of the Mediterranean. It links nine countries through landing points in:
-
Portugal
-
Morocco
-
Spain
-
Algeria
-
France
-
Tunisia
-
Italy
-
Greece
-
Egypt
As a result, the route improves regional connectivity and adds new, diverse paths for international data traffic.
Capacity, Fiber Pairs, and Go‑Live Schedule
The cable design includes segments that can host up to 24 fiber pairs. Each fiber pair carries 20 Tbit/s, so the system offers very high capacity for data, cloud, and content services.
The western section aims to enter service in late 2024, while the eastern section targets early 2025. This phased approach lets operators benefit from new capacity sooner.
Why AFR‑IX Invests in the New System
AFR‑IX invests in this build for several reasons. First, some existing Mediterranean cables are nearing end of life and require modern replacements. Second, telecom traffic from Africa continues to grow at a rapid pace, with strong double‑digit annual increases.
Therefore, carriers and content providers need more capacity, more resilience, and more route diversity to stay ahead of demand. The new system directly addresses these needs.
Consortium Partners and Project Budget
AFR‑IX also works with a broader public‑private consortium. Partners include the University of Alcalá, the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM‑CSIC), and Aragón Photonics. Together, they contribute expertise in research, marine science, and optical measurement technologies.
The open‑cable‑standard project carries an estimated cost of about €326 million, which underlines its long‑term strategic importance for the Mediterranean and African regions.
